Which term describes a healthcare event that could potentially harm patients?

The term that describes a healthcare event that could potentially harm patients is "incident." In the healthcare context, an incident refers to any unplanned event that leads to, or has the potential to lead to, patient harm. This includes events that may not cause actual harm but could reasonably be expected to do so, such as near misses or adverse events. Reporting and analyzing incidents is crucial for improving patient safety and preventing future occurrences.

The other terms do not specifically capture the essence of events with potential harm. An accident typically implies an unexpected event that causes damage or injury but is less focused on the healthcare environment. A procedure refers to a specific medical or surgical operation and does not inherently include the potential for harm. A diagnosis pertains to the identification of a disease or condition and does not directly relate to the events that lead to patient harm. Therefore, "incident" is the most appropriate term in this context.